If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Houston, you’re in luck!
There are plenty of destinations within driving distance that offer a variety of activities for everyone in the family.
Whether you’re looking to hit the beach, explore some history, or get away from it all in the great outdoors, there’s a perfect weekend getaway just waiting for you.
Also Read: 50 Best Day Trips from Houston, Texas
Best Weekend Getaways from Houston
From the lively city of Austin to the scenic Wimberley Valley, there’s something for everyone within a few hours’ drive of Houston.
Keep reading for our top picks for weekend getaways from Houston.
San Antonio
If you’re interested in exploring some history on your weekend getaway, San Antonio is the perfect weekend getaway near Houston
The city is home to the Alamo, a former mission that played a key role in the Texas Revolution.
Today, the Alamo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a museum that draws visitors from all over the world.
San Antonio is also home to Missions National Historical Park, where you can explore four 18th-century Spanish missions.
In addition to its historical attractions, San Antonio also offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
The San Antonio Riverwalk, a network of pedestrian paths along the San Antonio River, is a great place to start exploring the city.
Austin
Lone Star State Capital always ranks amongst the top weekend trips from Houston. TX.
Check out some of the city’s most popular attractions, like the State Capitol, Sixth Street, and Zilker Park.
Lady Bird Lake, a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River, is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The lake is popular for activities like kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.
Austin is also famously known as the Live music capital of the world and is an excellent place for music lovers.
The capital city has great nightlife with many bars and clubs to keep you entertained throughout the night.
Galveston
Galveston is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The island offers 32 miles of beaches, unique attractions like the Galveston Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens, and a variety of shopping and dining options.
Fun Fact: With the distance from Houston to Galveston being just about 60 miles, the island has the closest beaches to Houston.
You can also take a stroll down The Strand, a historic district with Victorian-style buildings that now house boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Galveston Island State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and is especially popular for bird watching.
Corpus Christi
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with a little bit of everything, Corpus Christi is the perfect destination.
The city offers miles of white sand beaches, plenty of shopping and dining options, and a variety of family-friendly attractions.
Corpus Christi is also home to the Texas State Aquarium, where you can learn about the state’s diverse marine life.
Other popular attractions include the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, which is a World War II-era aircraft carrier, and the South Texas Botanical Gardens.
Also Read: 28 Best Road Trips from Houston, Texas
Wimberley
Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Wimberley is a great spot for nature lovers.
Wimberley is also one of the best romantic weekend getaways from Houston for couples!
Take a dip in one of the many swimming holes dotting Cypress Creek or hike one of the trails at Blue Hole Regional Park.
Stay at the charming Blair House Inn or any other BnBs spread throughout the city. Explore the many art galleries and boutiques in the town.
And don’t forget to check out Jacob’s Well before heading back to Houston.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a charming German town located in the Texas Hill Country.
Stroll down Main Street to browse the unique shops and stop for lunch at one of the German restaurants.
Then, head out to nearby Central Texas vineyards for some wine tasting.
In the evening, catch a show at the Pioneer Museum Complex or sample some local beers at one of Fredericksburg’s breweries.
The National Museum of Pacific War, dedicated to the history of World War II in the Pacific, is also worth a visit.
Port Aransas
Port Aransas is a small beach town located on Mustang Island off the coast of Texas.
The town is known for its fishing, bird watching, and windsurfing.
It’s also home to several state parks, including Mustang Island State Park and Padre Island National Seashore.
Sam Houston National Forest
For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Sam Houston National Forest is the perfect spot.
Located about an hour north of Houston, this forest is home to over 160 miles of hiking and biking trails.
The Little Lake Creek Wilderness Area, located within the forest, is a great place to enjoy peace and nature.
The Forest also offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, bird watching, and camping.
Johnson City
Just an hour outside of Austin lies Johnson City, a small town with big charm.
This quaint town is full of art galleries, antique stores, boutiques, and restaurants serving up locally-sourced food.
In Johnson City, you can also tour the President Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, which includes the Johnson Ranch, Lyndon B. Johnson’s boyhood home, and the Texas White House.
Other attractions include Exotic Resort Zoo and Pedernales River Nature Park.
South Padre Island
Head down to South Texas for some sun and sand at South Padre Island!
This barrier Island is located just off the coast of Brownsville and offers plenty of activities for visitors of all ages.
Go fishing, birdwatching, sunbathing, windsurfing, or lounge on the sandy beaches…the possibilities are endless!
South Padre Island is one of the best weekend getaways from Houston for beach lovers.
Brazos Bend State Park
Brazos Bend State Park is located just outside of Houston.
The park features hiking and biking trails, fishing spots, and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.
Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, which can often be seen basking in the sun or swimming in the park’s lakes.
Brazos Bend State Park is also home to the George Observatory, where you can stargaze through one of the largest telescopes in Texas.
Nacogdoches
Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas and is full of history.
Stroll down Main Street to see beautiful old buildings, then tour the Museum of East Texas to learn about the area’s past.
Nacogdoches is also home to Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, a living history museum that features restored buildings from the 19th century.
For a taste of the local culture, be sure to check out the Farmer’s Market, which takes place every Saturday morning.
New Braunfels
New Braunfels is a charming German-influenced town located between Austin and San Antonio.
The town is well known for its sausage, which you can sample at the Wurstfest, an annual festival held in October.
Other attractions include the Gruene Historic District, Comal River, and Natural Bridge Caverns.
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is a man-made lake located in the Hill Country.
The lake is popular for fishing, swimming, and boating. There are also several hiking and biking trails in the area.
Canyon Lake area is also home to the Guadalupe River State Park, which offers camping, canoeing, and tubing.
Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park is a beautiful park located in the Texas Hill Country.
The park has plenty of hiking and biking trails for all difficulty levels and is also one of the best places to go kayaking in Texas.
Inks Lake State Park is also home to the Devil’s Waterhole, a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping.
Waco
Waco is a city located in Central Texas. The city is home to Baylor University, as well as several museums and historic sites.
Some of the most popular attractions include the Dr. Pepper Museum, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and Cameron Park Zoo.
There are plenty of great places to visit if you’re looking for a weekend getaway from Houston.
East Texas Small Towns
There are many small towns located in East Texas that make for great weekend getaways.
These towns offer a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, shopping, and more.
Some of the most popular East Texas small towns include Jefferson, Marshall, Tyler, and Palestine.
Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park is located in East Texas and is one of the most popular state parks in the area.
The park features over 26,000 acres of land and is home to Caddo Lake, which is the only natural lake in Texas.
The park also offers hiking and biking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas.
Whether you want to experience some city life in Austin or relax in nature in Wimberley, there’s something for everyone within driving distance from Houston.
Which are your favorite weekend getaways from Houston? Let us know below!